Base History \ Arrival
U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) is located approximately 80 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah. Comprised of a land area greater than the state of Rhode Island, over 1300 square miles of high mountain desert, DPG is a closed post with no public access. Due to the remote location, the self-contained resident community is unique. It has a higher number of government civilians and support contractors living on post than military personnel.
HISTORY - The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 jarred the United States and its military forces. The nation suddenly realized a need for increased military capability in many areas, which included expanded knowledge in chemical and biological warfare. On February 6, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt withdrew an initial 126,720 acres of Utah land from public domain for use by the War Department. Six days later, Dugway Proving Ground was established with official activation on March 1 and testing was under way by summer. Dugway was authorized to fill the need for testing weapons and defenses against chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction. Important projects during this early period included testing incendiary bombs, chemical weapons, and modified agents as spray disseminated from aircraft. Over the years, Dugway has expanded in size to 798,855 acres. In addition to chemical and biological defensive testing and environmental characterization and remediation technology testing, Dugway is the Defense Department's leader in testing battlefield smokes and obscurants. Also, within the last few years, Emergency Responders, i.e. Civil Support Teams (CST), are able to train at Dugway and become better prepared in case of terrorist attacks or chemical/biological incidents.
MISSION - Dugway Proving Ground's primary mission is testing U.S. and allied chemical and biological (CB) defense systems and performing nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) survivability testing of defense materiel using CB agents and stimulants. With over 50 years of experience, the proving ground uses its state-of-the-art laboratories and chambers to conduct the testing under environmentally controlled conditions.Please view the major unit listings for comprehensive details on the specific units on Dugway Proving Ground.
POPULATION SERVED - DoD personnel, families, civilians, joint services, and contractors make up the workforce and community population. There are approximately 1570 workers on Dugway Proving Ground.
Directions
Airports
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) services Dugway Proving Ground. SLC to Dugway is approximately 70 miles. Taxi and limosine service can be expensive ($85-$100), and no military shuttle is available. Requesting transportation through unit sponsor or by POV is recommended. Zions Bank operates a full-service bank in the lobby of Terminal Two. ATMs are located throughout the airport that access the major bank card networks including: Nova, Plus, American Express, Cirrus, Visa, MasterCard and Star. Additional information can be found on the airport's website or by contacting ACS 435-831-2321, DSN 312-789-2321.
Dugway Proving Ground is a closed post. Access is limited, and visitors must have a sponsor. You must bring a photo I.D. Vehicles must have current insurance and registration. During winter months it is best to call Dugway to see which roads are cleared.
From Salt Lake City and the airport: Take I-80 heading west to the Tooele/Grantsville exit (#99). Follow Route 36 heading south through Erda, Tooele, and Stockton. (the last gas station is at Stockton). Beyond Stockton turn right at the Clover exit onto Route 199. The road ends hear, so you can not miss us. Watch out for cows, deer, and antelope. Follow Route 199 to Dugway (approximately 25 miles from Clover). Route 199 is a winding mountain road which goes through a pass and then on to Dugway. Although the road is well maintained during the winter months, travelers should watch for ice and adhere to all road signs. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 25 minutes from the airport and one hour from Tooele.
Alternate route from Salt Lake City: Take I-80 heading west. Exit at Rowley Junction/Dugway (#77). Turn left and follow Skull Valley Road south to Dugway. The road ends hear, so you can not miss us. Watch out for cows, buffalo, deer, and antelope. One gas station is available between Rowley Junction and Dugway. Last available restaurants are on I-80 at the Tooele exit (#99). Also, because Skull Valley Road goes through the Indian reservation and is therefore federal property, the road is not maintained by the state. This is particularly important to remember during the winter months as this road can become extremely icy. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from the airport.
From Provo: Take I-15 north to the Lehi exit. Follow Route 73 heading west through Cedar Fort. (Cedar Fort is the last available stop for gas and facilities before reaching Dugway). Route 73 ends near St. Johns Station at Route 36. Turn left. Follow Route 36 south to the Clover exit turning right onto Route 199. Follow Route 199 to Dugway. The road ends hear, so you can not miss us. Watch out for cows, deer, and antelope. Again, be aware of the conditions of these roads during the winter months.
Homes Near Base
